Options and options

October 11th 

     Yesterday's 70km journey from Bardiya National Park back to Gulariya involved two bus rides.  The second of the two buses drove us the remaining 30km home. Due to the conditions of the bus as well as the near hopeless conditions of the roads, this 30km stretch took FIVE hours. FIVE! It's almost inconceivable, as a journey this length at home in Canada takes about 30 MINUTES.  We heart Canadian road conditions.  

     At the regular church meeting today, both Nate and I had the opportunity to speak.  Nate spoke about God's great love, and I spoke about moving forward into God's promises in the face of daunting circumstances (Joshua chapter 3). 

Megs (trying to look like she's not sweating)

with an awesome translator

     It is both bewildering and an honor that Kalu Ram and this church body would not only entrust us to teach, but that they would even want us to.  To be sure, this has nothing to do with the two of us. Coming from such a privileged part if the world, it is easy for us to take for granted all of the resources, teaching, and outside perspective that is available and sown into us.  When fresh perspective and new learning presents itself, the people here are hungry for it.  

              Gulariya Community Church

       Our dear friend Netra leading worship

          We love these amazing people!

      That evening, Kalu Ram shared his vision and hope for a permanent church building, as well as a church office. He brought us to his rented property (about three acres) where he farms fish, chickens, goats, and about five massive pigs.  

Kalu Ram explaining how this barn could

possibly be converted in to a church building

                          The barn

     Even after his livestock losses after the monsoon in August, a litter of piglettes had been killed recently by a fence-climibing leapord.  Kalu Ram believes that the barn on this property could be a church building option; construction would be less expensive, as there is an existing foundation already.  However, the rental property that the barn is on is not for sale.  

                                 P.I.G.S

Kalu Ram and Nate (in deep thought) discussing

building and property ideas and options

     We had a meal at Kalu Ram and Saru's house that evening (the power came back on just in time for us to escape eating dinner in the pitch dark).  Kalu Ram pointed us to his potato field right beside his house as another possible church building option.  Although more expensive to construct (as a foundation would have to be poured) a church building here would be permanent, as this is Kalu Ram's private property.  Kalu Ram and the rest if the church body are asking for prayer about these possible options, as rental agreement for their current church building is soon expiring.